GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota Head Hockey Coach Brad Berry announced on Wednesday morning that junior defenseman and East Grand Forks, Minn., native Colton Poolman has been voted captain of the Fighting Hawks for the 2018-19 season.

“These four outstanding student-athletes absolutely embody the powerful identity of our strong culture within North Dakota hockey,” said Berry. “They all exemplify impeccable character and work ethic, combined with excellent leadership skills. Together with our whole group, we look forward to a very impactful year on the ice, in the classroom and within the community.”

Poolman was named a National Collegiate Hockey Conference All-NCHC Honorable Mention in 2017-18 after appearing in all 40 games and establishing career highs in points (29), goals (7), assists (22), shots on goal (76) and plus/minus (+14), leading the team in the latter. Following the season, Poolman received UND’s Archie Krum Memorial Athletic Scholarship, given to the player who demonstrates leadership qualities, high academic standards and athletic excellence. He was also named to the NCHC Academic All-Conference Team and was an NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete.

Gardner, from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, was named the NCHC Defensive Forward of the Year in 2017-18, having led the NCHC in faceoff wins (459) despite missing seven games due to injury. An assistant captain last season as well, Gardner scored seven goals and 20 points in 33 games and was named to the NCHC Academic All-Conference Team.

Jones, a native of Edmonton, Alberta, led UND with 15 goals and ranked second on the squad with the 30 points in his first year with the program. The Ohio State transfer ranked second in the NCHC with a 59.3 faceoff percentage, the third-best in UND single-season history.

Shaw, who will be UND’s only senior defenseman next season, registered three goals and 10 assists for a career-high 13 points in 2017-18. The Woodbury, Minn., native was named to his third straight NCHC Academic All-Conference Team.

UND will open the 2018-19 season on Oct. 6 with an exhibition game against the University of Manitoba. The regular season begins Oct. 12-13 with a non-conference, home-and-home series with Bemidji State University.